

Northwestern University Japanese Researchers Association (NUJRA)

Member introduction page
This page introduces researchers participating in the Chicago Downtown Japanese Researchers Association (tentative).
Researchers studying at Northwestern University, Chicago University, Rush University, and Illinois University participate.


Hiroshi Maekawa
New secretary
He graduated from the Jikei University School of Medicine in 2011 and obtained a PhD from the University of Tokyo in 2019. The goal is to approach the complex pathophysiology of kidney disease from single-cell analysis and metabolome analysis, and to discover innovative therapeutic targets.

Yuki Tatekoshi
New secretary
At Northwestern University, I am working on the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of heart failure, especially left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. We are conducting research focusing on changes in cell function caused by changes in intracellular metabolism using technologies such as metabolomics.

Takashi Iizuka
New secretary
Obtained a PhD from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanazawa University. Since January 2002, I belong to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University, and I am studying with the uterine fibroid team. Currently, I am focusing on changes in amino acid metabolism in uterine fibroids and aiming to develop new treatments. We are also conducting basic research on the relationship between endocrine disrupters and uterine fibroids.

Takahiro Totsuoki
Event captain
I belong to the Department of Breast Surgery, Northwestern University. We are conducting clinical research to investigate the effectiveness of local treatment for stage IV breast cancer and basic research on prevention treatment using BRCA mutation-positive breast cancer mice. Thank you.
Click the photo!
Click the photo!

Former Secretary Nozomu Takata
Former Secretary Jinkei Tanaka
Former Secretary Yusuke Tomita
Shunsuke Miura
I am working on elucidating the principle of developmental regeneration at Northwestern University School of Medicine. We will induce mini-organ organoids mainly using mouse, human stem cells, and iPS cells, aiming to understand the molecular mechanism at the genomic and epigenome levels!
Operation of the language school Literacy Chicago
Also serves as the JRCC representative of the Chicago Research Exchange Association
Grand Chairman / Steering Committee
I am a cardiologist working on epidemiological and clinical research on atrial fibrillation.
We are studying using US prospective cohort studies and clinical data to establish ways to prevent atrial fibrillation.
Originally from Okayama University Neurosurgery, I am currently a member of the Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University. We are conducting basic research on the molecular mechanism of DIPG, which is a childhood brain stem tumor, and new treatments.
Originally from the Department of Cardiology, Fukushima Medical University, he is studying at the Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute at Northwestern University. Currently, I am studying the function of immune cells (especially T cells) and changes in the malignancy of cancer cells due to the localization of glycolytic enzyme hexocaynese.

Shintaro Otsuka

Kenji Unno
I belong to Northwestern University School of Medicine. We are studying the molecular mechanism of prostate cancer created by manipulating genes in human and mouse prostate epithelial cells.

Sakiko Taniguchi
Toshihiro Nomura
Former secretary
One of the founders
I am conducting research in the field of neuroscience at Northwestern University. My hobby is making bread! I am a new postdoc, but I look forward to working with you.

Jason Shapiro
I am a doctoral student in NW University. My research focuses on metabolism, and I am currently working on elucidating the mechanism of the cell response process for cells to sense and adapt to iron levels. The goal is to utilize the findings obtained in clinical cancer treatment.

Kenta Kuramoto
The He Laboratory
Northwestern University

Hideki Terajima
At the University of Chicago, we are working on elucidating the molecular mechanism of gene expression regulation from the perspective of epitranscriptome (chemical modification of mRNA). I am also interested in researching the mechanism by which the body clock keeps a rhythm of about 24 hours.

Kazuya Ono
Finished his first postdoc at NIH and is now patch clamp at the University of Chicago We are studying the development and function of the vestibular organs of the inner ear of mice. In the future, we aim to recover not only the sense of balance but also the function of hearing based on the knowledge obtained.

Kazuki Imasato
I am researching energy materials, mainly semiconductors and thermoelectric materials, at the Department of Materials Engineering, Northwestern University! I am interested in renewable energy and clean tech.

Jun Watanabe
I'm from Niigata University Neurosurgery. He is currently studying pediatric brain tumors at Northwestern University's Pediatrics Department. I would like to do translational research that can be returned to the clinic.

Yukitomo Ishi
I belong to the Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University. We plan to conduct basic research on malignant brain tumors such as pediatric glioma and labdoid tumor.

Takahide Toyoda
Originally from Chiba University Respiratory Surgery, I am currently a member of Northwestern University Respiratory Surgery. We are conducting research on graft dysfunction and rejection focusing on the functions of blood and alveolar macrophages. Our goal is always to return basic research data to the clinic.

Naoto Ujiie
Originally from Tohoku University Gastroenterological Surgery, I have been engaged in research on tumor blood vessel / lymphangiogenesis at Northwestern University since April 2021. We are mainly conducting research related to the expression of Forkhead transcription factors.
Alumnus
(Please note that we will only post it to teachers who can follow their careers.)

Shogo Tsujikawa
Dept. of Pharmacologym, Northwestern University

Teruki Sato
Originally from the Department of Cardiology, Akita University, I am currently studying abroad at Northwestern University.
I have been conducting research focusing on the RAS control mechanism and RNA control mechanism in the pathological condition of heart failure. Currently, I am conducting research on RNA-binding proteins and abnormal glucose metabolism.

Nobuyuki Takeshige
Former Secretary Hiroaki Katagi
Study session naming
Kurume University Neurosurgery MD, PhD
Rush University
I am doing translational research on childhood brain tumor DIPG. You can create a brain tumor xenograft model. I am interested in research on the background of pathology. He has a qualification as a pathologist and a first-class license for small vessels.
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Takashi Kojima
An otolaryngologist is analyzing protein function in the inner ear of congenital deafness. We are researching the establishment of highly efficient analysis methods using plate readers, drug screening, and analysis of channel functions. Currently, we are focusing most on drug screening for cytotoxic proteins.

Satoshi Watanabe
I am working on the pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Northwestern University. We analyze individual immune cells centered on macrophages at the single cell level, aiming to maintain lung homeostasis and elucidate the mechanism of tissue damage and repair.
Takeyuki Kono
An otolaryngologist, the Department of Microbiology-Immunology (Virology ) conducted research on human papillomavirus (HPV) -related head and neck cancer. We mainly investigated the DNA damage repair system and the activation mechanism of APOBEC factor.

Koichiro Wasano;
Former secretary of study session naming
One of the founders
National Hospital Organization
Tokyo Medical Center Clinical Research Center
Hearing Impairment Laboratory Manager
I am conducting research on hearing, especially genetic deafness. I am confident that NUJRA, which was established for the purpose of studying, socializing, and mutual aid, has developed into such an organization. The return group will set up the NUJRA Tokyo branch, so if you want to hear about Chicago before studying abroad, let's drink together.
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Atushi Sato

Hidemichi Kouzu
Soh Yamamoto

Noriko Ogasawara
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Rush University Medical Center
Sapporo Medical University Cardiovascular / Kidney / Metabolic Endocrinology Course
At Northwestern University, we worked on mRNA-binding protein-mediated mTOR regulation in the myocardium. Research interests are heart failure and myocardial metabolism.
Current position: Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine (engaged in research on autophagy in He laboratory of Northwestern University Cell and Molecular Division)
We are working hard on research on RNA viruses in general. Focusing on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a pediatric viral infection, comprehensive analysis such as protame analysis and search for host target factors by CRISPR / Cas9 genome wide screening, and chemical biology of RSV suppression mechanism of existing approved drugs. We are aiming to develop an antiviral drug against RSV by analyzing the approach and biochemically. Specialty: Virology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering
Lecturer, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Microbiology, Sapporo Medical University
Main theme: "Elucidation of natural immune control mechanism using human cells" 1) Tight-binding molecule and control mechanism in human epithelial cells 2) Function of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in chronic sinusitis (Allergy and immunology, Northwestern University) Kato Lab) 3) RS virus and host immune response mechanism

Takashi Hisamatsu
Okayama University Graduate School of Public Health Associate Professor
I was in the Preventive Medicine course at Northwestern University. Originally from the Department of Cardiology, he is currently engaged in epidemiological research and public health research on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Looking for postdocs!
Tomokazu Souma
Duke University
Assistant Professor
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Yosuke Shimazu
Okayama University Graduate School of Neurosurgery

Fumitake Tezuka
Tokushima University

Yoshimasa Imoto
Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Fukui
Research Area: Chronic Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis I was studying abroad at the Allergy-Immunology Division of Northwestern University. I am studying chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasal sinuses, focusing on chronic sinusitis. Drinking various kinds of sake is one of the pleasures, and after returning to Japan, I go around the sake breweries. Fukui prefecture is blessed with rice and sake. Dinosaurs are also famous.

Hironobu Hayashi
Nara Medical University
Specialized field Nerve monitoring / ocular circulation

Toshiyuki Ishii
Nippon Medical School School of Medicine
Physiology classroom instructor

Naofumi SUEMATSU
Osaka University
Specialty: Neuroscience, Artificial Vision

Takahiro Sasaki
Current position Assistant Professor, Neurosurgery, Wakayama Medical University At Northwestern University, I was conducting research on epigenetic therapy and drug delivery for pediatric brain tumors.

Madoka Kawaguchi
At Northwestern University, I belonged to the Huiping Liu Lab of the School of Medicine. By analyzing the properties of circulating tumor cells in the blood of cancer patients, I was conducting research aimed at suppressing metastasis. We are currently applying for RPD.

Marie Ikeda
Alumnus of NUJRA

Kentaro Ushijima
Professor, Yamaguchi University of Science

Kenichiro Suwa
I was studying abroad at the Department of Radiology, Northwestern University from the Department of Cardiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. The theme is cardiovascular blood flow analysis using 4D flow MRI, and we are working on evaluation of blood flow velocity such as valvular disease, evaluation of wall shear stress involved in aneurysm formation, and elucidation of energy efficiency of blood flow. ..

Kotaro Hori
Lecturer, Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University
I am continuing my research on the ion channel called CRAC channel (Calcium release-activated calcium channel), which I was studying at NU when I was studying abroad, in connection with anesthesiology.

Akihiko Taguchi
Yamaguchi University

Kaoru Miyazaki
Northwestern Bulun Lab

Masanori Miyauchi
Northwestern Herbert Y. Meltzer Lab
Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd

Kenta Wakaizumi
At Northwestern University's Apkarian Lab and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab's Baliki Lab, I am doing clinical research on "pain" such as low back pain using brain imaging. Before studying abroad, I was a specialist in pain medicine at the Department of Anesthesiology at Keio University. I am good at so-called data science such as neuroeconomics related to decision making (especially time discount), graph theory and network analysis, and analysis using machine learning.

Masahide Goto
I belong to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Department of Surgery. I am researching imaging and photoimmunotherapy for tumors using peptide (p28). I am a pediatric neurologist.